our
mission
The Mindful Plate Project helps people of all ages discover that real plant food isn’t just healthy — it’s joyful, delicious, and endlessly worth exploring.
We help you explore new foods and expand your palate, understand how ultra-processed food is negatively affecting your body, and enjoy plant-powered meals with confidence. Through mindful eating and real-food education, we guide kids and adults in building simple, healthy habits that last a lifetime.
We are clinical pharmacists turned educators, moms to two little plant-powered kids, and founders of The Mindful Plate Project.
After reversing pre-diabetes and PCOS through many years of a plant-based lifestyle, we became passionate about teaching the healing power of real food.
We’re building a culture of mindful, plant-powered living — one plate at a time.
who
we are
meet Haley + christine
our story
Hi, I’m Haley — a board-certified critical care pharmacist who specializes in nutrition support. I’ve spoken at national and international nutrition conferences, serve on a local nutrition support board, and spend my days helping patients who are often facing the long-term effects of chronic disease.
But my biggest wake-up call came from my own health. I was a powerlifter, counting macros, feeling strong — and still ended up pre-diabetic. As someone who treats critically ill patients, I knew exactly where that could lead. I wanted to change my future, not medicate it.
The evidence for a whole-food plant-based diet was undeniable — from reversing chronic diseases to lowering the risk of cancers (something that runs in my family). Once I saw the science, I jumped in 200%. Within months of changing how I ate, my pre-diabetes completely reversed — and being lactose-intolerant (like most of the world), my gut thanked me.
I’m also certified to teach kettlebells, efficiency-obsessed, and can meal-prep for a family of four faster than most people can order takeout. I love cooking nourishing food for our family and teaching others how to make healthy eating easy, approachable, and delicious.
dr. christine kavelak, pharmd
Hi, I'm Christine — a hospital pharmacist, mom of two littles, and proud whole-food-plant-based convert since 2017. I originally made the switch after years of struggling with PCOS, cystic acne, and infertility. I decided I was going to let food be my medicine… and it actually worked! I reversed all three by just eating real food.
Fast-forward a few years, and I found myself in a new battle: my kids were snacking all day long — anywhere and everywhere — and arriving at meals with the enthusiasm of wet noodles. Something had to change.
Then I read French Kids Eat Everything, and it completely transformed our home! We swapped the chaotic mess for eating at a table (instead of the van/shopping cart/couch), grazing (because of boredom) for nutrient-dense meals, and “I don't want this” (and the accompanied screaming) for curiosity, flavor, and joyful eating. My sanity returned (for the most part), the kids came to the table hungry and eagar to actually eat their prepared meals (multiple helpings sometimes!), and a lightbulb turned on: every family deserves this peace, confidence, and clarity around food.
dr. haley kavelak, pharmd, bccCp
real food is medicine
our philosophy
No dyes, no additives, no junk. Just whole, nourishing ingredients you can pronouce.
connection is key
Less fights at the dinner table. Eating real food is an experience meant to be enjoyed by all.
evidence-based eating
Backed by research. Food that improves longevity and enhances health outcomes. No fad diets here.
flavor is for everyone
Everyone deserves to eat delicious food. The flavor window doesn't have to end at 18 months of age.
Real food gives our bodies the nutrients, fiber, and protection they need to stay healthy. It supports strong immunity, steady energy, healthy digestion, and better focus.
Research now shows that diets high in ultra-processed foods increase the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and even certain cancers. These foods are often loaded with additives, dyes, sugar, and chemicals that work against our health.
why real food matters
Choosing real, whole foods helps our bodies thrive—at every age.
Client love
Graciously shared
— michael h.
"Christine and Haley helped reorganize our kitchen and taught my kids simple cooking skills. They’re actually excited to help prepare meals now — huge change for us."
— sara t.
"Haley explains nutrition in a way that just makes sense. I left with practical tips we use every day — nothing overwhelming, just real food that works."
— chelsea m.
"This program helped us end constant snacking and taught our kids how to listen to their hunger cues. We finally have calmer, happier meals at home."
— Emily r.
"My 6-year-old went from refusing veggies to actually trying new foods every week. Christine makes tasting fun and pressure-free — it changed our whole mealtime routine."
